Coronavirus leaves Japan and South Korea short of Chinese workers

Laborers face prejudice from employers, while travel restrictions leave interns stranded

20200210 Worker in Tokyo

Japan and South Korea are struggling with labor shortages, especially in lower-skilled positions. (Photo by Takaki Kashiwabara) 

KIM JAEWON and AKANE OKUTSU, Nikkei staff writers

SEOUL/TOKYO -- Companies in Japan and South Korea face an acute labor crunch as the coronavirus outbreak disrupts Chinese employment in both countries -- though for very different reasons.

In South Korea, the problem is twofold: depressed business activity coupled with a reluctance to hire workers of Chinese origin.

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